The only thing that changes our lives is making decisions and taking action.

Thoughts are thoughts.

Words can be lovely (or mean, or a million things in between).

But action—compassionate, enthusiastic, intentional, meaningful action—is the one and only key to “changing our lives.”

So when you read a sensational headline promising that a video or collection of quotes or photos or whatever will change your life, don’t buy it. It’s nothing more than clever advertising.

I know, I know. We want to believe something simple and effortless will change us for the better. I have, in the past, wished for signs from the astrological sky, longed for answers in Tarot card readings and begged for clarity and guidance from the I Ching.

Sadly, it (usually) doesn’t work that way. Life changes require action. Happiness, balance and flexibility are skills that take practice.

You know, like: “Check out this infographic on distribution of wealth in the world. Total life-changer, dude.”

In order for anything read or seen to change our lives, we must not only read or watch it but also embody its message in daily life.

Whatever its source, the intangible though important inspiration must somehow transform into behavioral change in reality.

Action doesn’t arise from nowhere. Our thoughts feed our words, and our words feed our actions.

As for our thoughts? As Matthieu Ricard writes,

“Thoughts emerge from pure consciousness and are then reabsorbed in it, just as waves emerge from the ocean and dissolve into it again. Once we understand this, we have taken a great leap toward inner peace.”

Here are some more random and fabulous quotes that most likely won’t change your life in the slightest.

“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” ~ Elbert Hubbard

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The description is not the described; I can describe the mountain, but the description is not the mountain, and if you are caught up in the description, as most people are, then you will never see the mountain.” ~ Jiddu Krishnamurti 

“In oneself lies the whole world and if you know how to look and learn, the door is there and the key is in your hand. Nobody on earth can give you either the key or the door to open, except yourself.” ~ Jiddu Krishnamurti 

“Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in a long-shot.”  ~ Charlie Chaplin

Are you sufficiently inspired? No? Entertained, at least?

Now, get out there in the world and change your life!

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Editor: Catherine Monkman

Photos: Saying Images